Right in my own backyard

Once upon a time (read, before kids) my husband and I were a pretty adventurous pair.  We took a two week trip to Ireland/Scotland.   Got married in St. Maarten.  Vegas twice a year.  New York at least once a year.  Totaled our car in South Florida (on a bridge, over water!)  We took a SERIOUS vacation at least once a year. Enter the two cutest kids you have ever met, and what do you get?  STAYCATION!
Mr. Company is on "vacation" this week.  That just means he doesn't have to go to work.  Since I'm staying home with the June Bug and Big Brother, we don't have a lot of extra mou-lah to go vacationing with.  So, we sent the kids to Nana and Grandaddy's farm and had a little staycation!
I have to admit, it's been a really good week.  Started with a birthday party for our June Bug on Saturday.  Took Big Brother to see Cars 2 on Monday.  His first movie at the theater!  Took the boys to Nana on Tuesday and came home to hang out in the backyard.  It was a "pool" day.  We don't have a pool, so we had to improvise a little.  Hello inflatable baby pool!
Today was the highlight!  We rented a canoe from Adventures Unlimited and spent a few hours on Coldwater Creek in Milton, FL.  It was FANTASTIC!

My beautiful view from the front of the canoe

We felt a million miles from home when we were really only about an hour's drive.  We saw abundant wildlife.  Turtles, dragonflies, birds, fish...and 38 teenagers from the local Methodist church.  Eeek!!!  We paddled on past these kids at a quick pace and then we were able to really slow down and enjoy the scenery.  It was so peaceful...the rippling water, the birds chirping, the swoosh of the paddles.  The water was icy cold.  I know this because I went for an unexpected swim when I knocked my sunglasses off my head.  I only freak out a little when I see a bee.  I hate bees.

One of the many turtles we saw today

Tiny Waterfall

I'm looking forward to the remainder of our week.  Dinner at McGuires Irish Pub tonight.  Maybe a campout in the living room when the kids get home tomorrow complete with hot dogs on the grill and s'mores.  Pool party at Papa's and Grandma's on Sunday.  And the finale?  4th of July Fireworks!  What a way to end a wonderful staycation!

Where do YOU go when you need a little break?  Is there somewhere in your own town that makes you feel a million miles from home?


Christine
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